Classic Nintendo Console Enhanced with Bluetooth and Audio Upgrade via Add-on — NES Hub Activates Unused Expansion Port

If you’re a retro gaming fan, you probably know that the expansion port on the NES never got any official accessories. But for those with an NES-001 model eager to make the most out of that port, there’s exciting news. RetroTime has introduced the “NES Hub,” which boasts Bluetooth capabilities, and it’s now available for pre-order through 8BitMods.

The NES Hub brings a new level of functionality to your classic NES by enabling Bluetooth controller support and enhancing the audio experience. It also supports a unique add-on system. One such add-on is the “SNES Add-on,” which allows gamers to connect wired SNES and 15-pin Famicom controllers to the old console.

Set to ship in December 2024, the NES Hub is priced at $57.28, and if you’re interested in the SNES add-on, that’ll set you back an additional $26.03. So, for the full expansion experience, you’re looking at a total of $83.31 before taxes. For those keen on multiplayer, the NES Hub supports up to four Bluetooth controllers connected at once. Plus, if your NES has been modified to run Famicom games, the NES Hub can enable Expansion Audio mode, unlocking additional audio channels for compatible games.

For the uninitiated, the term Famicom is short for “Family Computer,” which is the original name for the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan. Interestingly, the Famicom had capabilities way beyond gaming, including internet connectivity for activities like checking stock prices. Japanese gamers had a taste of online functionality long before their American counterparts, who didn’t see anything similar until the days of the Sega Dreamcast and Microsoft Xbox.

Bluetooth didn’t become a standard feature until the Seventh Generation of consoles arrived in 2005 with the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. The NES is part of the third generation, debuting in October 1985, which is a solid 14 years before Bluetooth made its debut in 1999. Adding such features to the NES is a great way to close the gap between playing on original hardware and using emulators on modern systems.

Of course, this device caters to a very specific market, and its price reflects that. If you’re on the hunt for better NES controller capabilities and have the NES-001 model, the NES Hub seems to be the ideal solution.